CHESHIRE Stars T were encouraged by their performance against unbeaten Premier Division leaders Oaklands in their latest South Cheshire Premier Netball League encounter on Wednesday.

The Middlewich-based team collected a point from a 39-23 defeat after which goalkeeper Scarlet Mellor was picked as their best performer.

Lucy Bath also impressed after stepping up from a lower-ranked side to cover absences.

Elsewhere Stars S went down 39-29 against Dragonflies in the Championship Division, although they remain in contention to be promoted to the top-flight.

A frantic game ended with Sue Bethell, their goalkeeper, as the stand-out player for her defensive work.

Stars A proved too strong for Scorpions in the same section, recording a 45-26 victory that was a reward for their collective effort.

Centre Holly Jones was player of the match, while wing-defender Kirsty Miller was at her best too.

Stars R will drop down from Division One by the narrowest of margins - a single goal - following a 37-24 reverse against table-toppers Sandbach in their final fixture.

Liberty Hughes took the best-player prize.

Wildcats are demoted too, while Ladyhawks L will have a chance to beat the drop when they contest a play-off.